You sometimes have to pick between durability and function versus style and appearance, especially if I’m off hiking, wading through mud or facing intense weather conditions. But these winter boots really have managed to cover both sides and for that, they have my heart!
I really do love the way they look, plus the way they feel, so soft inside in a way you’d expect with a cosy slipper rather than an outdoor pair of boots.
What Are They Made From?
As you might have guessed from the title, they use waterproof leather for the upper part of the boot. The leather is sourced via the Leather Working Group, a not-for-profit organisation that ensures leather is sourced ethically and sustainably.
They’ve also got Primaloft Eco Insulation, which is commonly seen in ski gear, ideal for when it’s cold and wet, hence why it’s great to see these on winter boots.
How Did They Feel?
The insole is made from an EVA foam, a synthetic foam material that adds a lovely cushion feel when you wear them, making them nice and cosy for long treks.
I wore them on a few hikes through Sussex to give them a good test, always ending in a roast dinner in a nice country pub, because that’s the way a Sunday should be spent!
The padded collar provided some really nice ankle support, while I also didn’t feel any rubbing at all, offering complete support and plenty of warmth.
I’ve mentioned the insole, but the midsole is also critical to your comfort and they have a HH Hover Stride midsole in the Kelvin LX boots, which creates a nice bounce to each step. The foam really does absorb a lot of the pressure and impact when walking. Considering I’ve been recently wearing smart shoes which have none of these traits, this is a hugely welcomed positive.
The Warmth
I previously mentioned the Primaloft eco insulation, which is an incredible 200 grams, hence why this is really ideal for winter weather and will be perfect if you fancy going skiing. I will be going Switzerland in the not too distant future and I will certainly be packing these boots.
I wore these for hours without feeling any cold on my feet, that involved embracing the bitter cold British weather with a massive jacket on through most of the day, but my feet remained nice and cosy, tucked into these boots.
How Long Will They Last?
When I get a decent pair of shoes, people sometimes think they’re expensive, but then they replace their shoes on a more regular basis, whereas a good pair should last the test of time. From the quality of the stitching to the sturdiness of the material and strong platform, I feel incredibly confident I’ll be using these for years to come.
This is important, as at £140, you want to know that this is a worthwhile investment. Thankfully, Helly Hansen always delivers on quality, I’m forever impressed by their clothing and shoes, they just don’t break or ware.
Sizing
These are available in sizes from 6.5 up to 12.5, while it fit true to the size it was ordered in, something basic but nowadays it’s worth stating as a lot of cheaper shoes seem to vary quite a lot from their stated shoe size.
The Kelvin Lx leather boots were easy to put on and it didn’t feel like they would come loose or slip at all as I walked.
Who Should Buy These?
Well, of course, if you’re a skier then these are perfect, but I don’t see these purely as skiing shoes, as I think they’re really flexible. I actually think they look amazing when heading to a bar or a restaurant during the winter months.
Despite these being waterproof boots made for winter conditions, they actually paired really well when
I should mention that they are available in a number of colours, but I loved the all-black version the most.
